V-TOL Condor™ RPAS Surveillance Platform

The Condor™ platform has been developed by V-TOL Aerospace to provide a low-cost, easy to use and reliable extended line-of-sight (LOS) ready mini-RPAS capable of conducting surveillance (color or thermal) via a belly mounted camera. The video footage is streamed to the Ground Control Station (GCS) live, while the footage is also recorded on board for post-flight analysis or evidence retention. When used in conjunction with other tiers of small-RPAS, such as the Goshawk or Hornet multi-rotor systems, the Goshawk™ can provide broad area coverage while the VTOL system can be deployed to identify a specific target of interest to mm resolution (see Hornet and Goshawk brochures for more information).

Description

Airframe

Developed using collision safe materials this hi-wing 3 axis aircraft provides a stable camera platform for airborne imaging operations < 400ft AGL. Thrust is provided by a rear mounted electric power plant. Cameras are located in the nose and belly. Airframe is a mix of impact optimized energy-absorbing EPP and EPO.

Mission payloads

The Condor™ in the surveillance configuration carries HD 1080p/4K colour camera with on-board storage. A thermal camera payload can also be fitted (dual or single) for night and/or day operations.

The Condor™ platform comes with a fixed pilot view optical sensor for day operations to assist with general situational awareness.

Guidance and Control

Condor™ utilizes V-TOL proprietary auto-pilot software known as “V-TOL Neuron™”. This program enables manual, stabilized and semi-autonomous ‘point and click’ computer operations. Options are included to enable easy to configure linear and area survey missions.

To achieve CASA compliance as a training system, Condor™ Neuron™ has demonstrated and is capable of executing multiple fail safe responses. Such fail safes are designed to protect the RPAS and third parties from any system failures. Condor is controlled by a frequency hopping spread
spectrum 1W diversity switched digital link, with upgrades to AES Encryption available.

Also Included is the Ground Control Station (GCS) box containing Toughbook Laptop, Transmitter, Video Receiver and 2 batteries. Further GCS/Aircraft inclusions can be discussed during the purchasing phase.

Camera Systems – The surveillance aircraft can be fitted with either the Horyzon HD 1080p/4k recording, 14MP still imaging camera, or a 320 thermal imager camera. Support for additional optical and thermal camera packages may be accommodated depending on size and weight.

Video Downlink – Options for the surveyor and mapping aircraft include the ability for either a standard definition analogue video transmission (5.8GHz @ 25mW to meet ACMA restrictions) coupled with a diversity ground receiver fitted with high gain antennas for up to 3km video range.

Further options include a HD capable digital AES encrypted video link (2.4 GHz @ 100mW) coupled with a diversity ground receiver fitted with high gain antennas for ranges from 2km up to 5km.